The circadian regulation of extracellular ATP

Circadian Rhythms of the Blood-Brain Barrier and Drug Delivery

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical interface separating the central nervous system from the peripheral circulation, ensuring brain homeostasis and function. Recent research has unveiled a profound connection between the BBB and circadian rhythms, the endogenous oscillations synchronizing biological processes with the 24-hour light-dark cycle. This review explores the significance of circadian rhythms in the context of BBB functions, with an emphasis on substrate passage through the BBB. Our discussion includes efflux transporters and the molecular timing mechanisms that regulate their activities. A significant focus of this review is the potential implications of chronotherapy, leveraging our knowledge of circadian rhythms for improving drug delivery to the brain. Understanding the temporal changes in BBB can lead to optimized timing of drug administration, to enhance therapeutic efficacy for neurological disorders while reducing side effects. By elucidating the interplay between circadian rhythms and drug transport across the BBB, this review offers insights into innovative therapeutic interventions.

The multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function: From spermatogenesis to fertilization

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a vital signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes within the body. In recent years, studies have revealed its significant role in male reproduction, particularly in sperm function. This review explores the multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function, from spermatogenesis to fertilization. We discuss the impact of extracellular ATP on spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and sperm-egg fusion, highlighting the complex regulatory mechanisms and potential clinical applications in the context of male infertility. By examining the latest research, we emphasize the crucial role of extracellular ATP in sperm function and propose future research directions to further.

Alterations of Purinergic Receptors Levels and Their Involvement in the Glial Cell Morphology in a Pre-Clinical Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Recent data suggest that defects in purinergic signalling are a common denominator of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), though nothing is known about whether the disorder-related imbalance occurs at the receptor level. In this study, we investigated whether prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) induces changes in purinergic receptor expression in adolescence and whether it corresponds to glial cell activation. Pregnant dams were subjected to an intraperitoneal injection of VPA at embryonic day 12.5. In the hippocampi of adolescent male VPA offspring, we observed an increase in the level of P2X1, with concomitant decreases in P2X7 and P2Y1 receptors. In contrast, in the cortex, the level of P2X1 was significantly reduced. Also, significant increases in cortical P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors were detected. Additionally, we observed profound alterations in microglial cell numbers and morphology in the cortex of VPA animals, leading to the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The changes in glial cells were partially reduced via a single administration of a non-selective P2 receptor antagonist. These studies show the involvement of purinergic signalling imbalance in the modulation of brain inflammatory response induced via prenatal VPA exposure and may indicate that purinergic receptors are a novel target for pharmacological intervention in ASDs.